Schatzker Type Research Articles

Comparison of Functional Outcome between Early and Usual CPM Physiotherapy in Healing Tibia Plateau Fracture

Objective: In order to determine the functional outcome of surgically treated tibia plateau fractures using routine and early CPM physiotherapy following operative treatment a descriptive prospective study was carried out. Methods: 120 patients with tibia plateau fractures were initially included in this study. 18 patients were excluded from the study according to the exclusion criteria and the remaining 102 patients were followed for 1 year. There were 76 men and 26 women in this investigation. The mean age was 39 years old. Fractures were classified according to Schatzker classification algorithm. A 1-year follow-up was done on these 102 patients. Functional outcome of the patients was graded with HSS and SF-36 functional scores. Statistical analysis was performed by means of SPSS analysis software version 22. Results: The average time to union was 13 weeks. A mean ROM of 125 degrees for routine physiotherapy and 140 degrees for early CPM physiotherapy treated patients one year after injury. Functional results showed a mean HSS score of 80 points (Range: 19-100). Schatzker type I, II, III and IV fractures showed statistically significant better results compared to Schatzker type V and VI fractures. With regard to SF-36 score, 1 year after injury of eight SF-36 subscales, the results were better in the patients in 6 subscales in early CPM physiotherapy treated patients compared with routine physiotherapy group. The majority of the patients were able to perform most of the pre-injury daily activities after 1 year. The most important independent factors influencing functional results in this study were doing early rehabilitation procedures, age of the patients and fracture type. Conclusion: Functional results after open reduction and internal fixation of tibia plateau fractures seem to be excellent according to HSS score. However, the overall patient function is more satisfactory in early CPM physiotherapy treated patients’ in comparison with routine physiotherapy group.

Plate osteosynthesis combined with bone cement provides the highest stability for tibial head depression fractures under high loading conditions

Older patients sustaining tibial head depression fractures often cannot follow the post-operative rehabilitation protocols with partial weight-bearing of the affected limb, leading to osteosynthesis failure, cartilage step-off and arthritis development. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the biomechanical performance of different types of osteosyntheses alone and in combination with bone cement simulating cyclically high loading conditions of tibial head depression fractures. Lateral tibial head depression fractures (AO: 41-B2.2; Schatzker type III) were created in synthetic bones and stabilized using three different osteosyntheses alone and in combination with a commonly used bone cement (chronOS™): 2 screws, 4 screws in the jail technique and a lateral angle-stable buttress plate. After fixation, the lateral tibial plateau was axially loaded in two, from each other independent testing series: In the first test protocol, 5000 cycles with 500 N and in the end load-to-failure tests were performed. In the second test protocol, the cyclic loading was increased to 1000 N. Parameters of interest were the displacement of the articular fracture fragment, the stiffness and the maximum load. The osteosyntheses revealed a higher stiffness in combination with bone cement compared to the same type of osteosynthesis alone (e.g., 500 N level: 2 screws 383 ± 43 N/mm vs. 2 screws + chronOs 520 ± 108 N/mm, increase by 36%, p < 0.01; 4 screws 368 ± 97 N/mm vs. 4 screws + chronOS 516 ± 109 N/mm, increase by 40%, p < 0.01; plate: 509 ± 73 N/mm vs. plate + chronOs 792 ± 150 N/mm, increase by 56%, p < 0.01). Bone cement reduced the displacement of the plate significantly (500 N level: plate: 8.9 ± 2.8 mm vs. plate + chronOs: 3.1 ± 1.4 mm, reduction by 65%, p < 0.01; 1000 N level: 16.9 ± 3.6 mm vs 5.6 ± 1.3 mm, reduction by 67%, p < 0.01). Thus, the highest stiffness and lowest displacement values were found when using the plate with bone cement in both loading conditions (500 N level: 2 screws + chronOs 3.7 ± 1.3 mm, 4 screws + chronOs 6.2 ± 2.4 mm; 1000 N level: 2 screws + chronOs 6.5 ± 1.2 mm, 4 screws + chronOs 5.7 ± 0.8 mm). From a biomechanical perspective, plate osteosynthesis of tibial head depression fractures should always be combined with bone cement, provides higher stability than 2-screw and 4-screw fixation and is a valid treatment option in cases where extraordinary stability is required.

Clinical Comparison of the “Windowing” Technique and the “Open Book” Technique in Schatzker Type II Tibial Plateau Fracture

ObjectiveSurgical treatment for Schatzker type II tibial plateau fractures remains challenging and requires high‐quality research. The aim of the study is to compare the “windowing” and “open book” techniques for the treatment of Schatzker type II tibial plateau fractures.MethodsIn this prospective study, all patients with Schatzker type II tibial plateau fractures between January 2014 and December 2017 were managed by open reduction and internal fixation using an anterolateral incision approach. “Windowing” group included 78 patients (53 men and 25 women), with an average age of 57.7 ± 13.5 years, who underwent the “windowing” technique, in which the procedure was performed through a small cortical window against the depressed zone of the lateral plateau. The “open book” group included 80 patients (56 men and 24 women), with an average age of 54.8 ± 12.4 years, who underwent the technique. The clinical outcomes included the Rasmussen classification of knee function and grading of post‐traumatic arthritis. The radiographic outcome (x‐ray and computed tomography [CT]) was the reduction quality of the lateral plateau based on the modified Rasmussen radiological assessment. The patient‐reported outcome was visual analogue scale (VAS) scores.ResultsThe mean follow‐up time for the158 patients was 32 months (range, 24–42 months). The time elapsed from injury to surgery in “windowing” group and “open book” group were 3.7 ± 1.2 (range, 1–10 days) and 3.5 ± 1.4 days (range, 1–11 days), respectively, with no significant difference between the groups (P > 0.05). The operation times did not differ significantly between the “windowing” group (61.0 ± 8.3 min, range, 45–120 min) and the “open book” group (61.2 ± 10.4 min, range, 40–123 min) (P > 0.05). After surgery, CT revealed five (6.4%) and 15 (18.8%) cases of articular depression in the “windowing” and “open book” groups, respectively. Significant differences were observed in the articular depression of tibial plateau fractures between the groups (P < 0.05). However, condylar widening or valgus/varus did not differ significantly between the groups. Furthermore, no significant differences in knee function were observed during follow‐up (P > 0.05). VAS scores were similar between the groups at 24 months after surgery (P > 0.05). There were significant differences in the number of severe post‐traumatic arthritis (grades 2 and 3) cases between the groups (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe “windowing” and “open book” techniques are both effective for the treatment of Schatzker type II tibial plateau fractures. However, the “windowing” technique provides better reduction quality, leading to a satisfactory prognosis.

Functional outcome of hybrid external fixator in proximal tibial fractures Schatzker type V and VI with impending compartment syndrome

Purpose: To study the functional outcome of Hybrid external fixator in Proximal Tibial Fractures Schatzker type 5 and 6 with impending compartment syndrome.Methods: Prospective Interventional Study: A total of 18 patients with Proximal Tibial fractures Schatzker type 5 and 6 with impending compartment syndrome were included in our study. Out of 18 patients, 8 had Proximal tibial fracture Schatzker type 5 and 10 had type 6. Patients were followed up weekly for first month and monthly for 6 months with both clinical examination and imaging. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using Neer’s rating system for evaluation of knee.Results: The results - bony union, range of movements, and associated complications were assessed. All fractures united in an average time period of 20 weeks. Excellent outcome was noted in 44%, Good in 33%, fair in 11% and failure in 11% cases. 90% of patients had clinical and radiological union in 20 weeks.Conclusion: Hybrid external fixation is a reliable fracture fixation method that leads to satisfactory functional outcomes, while reducing the infection rate and wound dehiscence, allowing arthroplasty to be performed in the future if needed.

Credibility of Three Column Fixation in Schatzker Types V and VI Tibial Plateau Fractures

Credibility of Three Column Fixation in Schatzker Types V and VI Tibial Plateau Fractures

Tibial plateau fractures: three dimensional fracture mapping and morphologic measurements

PurposeThe injury mechanisms and classifications of tibial plateau fractures (TPFs) are still controversial. The aim of this study is to show 3D fracture mapping of different types of tibial plateau fractures. Moreover, combined with Schatzker and ten-segment classification, we aimed to analyze the injury frequency and characteristics of different segments.MethodsIn total, 346 patients with TPFs treated at level I trauma centres from 2017 to 2021 were reviewed. The CT files of the included cases were typed and categorized. 3D reconstruction of TPFs patients’ CT files were performed using software. All fracture lines were superimposed on the standard model by the software to create TPFs 3D fracture mapping.ResultsThis study included 204 male and 142 female patients (average age, 47 years [range, 18 to 83 years]) with a tibial plateau fracture. Using the Schatzker classification, we found 39 type I (11.27%), 103 type II (29.77%), nine type III (2.60%), 71 type IV (20.52%), 52 type V (15.03%), 59 type VI (17.05%) fractures, and 13 others (3.76%). The density areas of fracture lines are mainly located in the ALC and PLC segments (74.3%, 69.1%). In different views, fracture lines of different Schatzker types showed distinct distribution characteristics.ConclusionsSchatzker classification combined with 3D fracture mapping provides a new presentation of tibial plateau fracture morphology. According to the 3D fracture mapping, different types of TPFs have distinctly different distribution characteristics of fracture lines. There are significant differences between different types of fracture injury segments.

Risk Factors for Infection in Patients Undergoing Osteosynthesis for Tibial Plateau Fracture in a University Hospital.

Schatzker types IV to VI tibial plane fractures compromise the two tibial plateaus. Most cases involve joint deviation and require anatomic reduction and rigid fixation. Dual access and prolonged surgical time are factors that exert an influence on the occurrence of infection of the surgical wound and, consequently, the clinical outcome. The reason why these fractures have a greater incidence of infection compared to others remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate risk factors for infection in patients undergoing osteosynthesis for tibial plateau fracture considering demographic, clinical, and operative factors.A retrospective study was conducted with data on patients with Schatzker types IV, V, and VI tibial plateau fracture submitted to surgical treatment at a tertiary university hospital affiliated with the public healthcare system. The following data were extracted from the patient files: age; type of fracture; mechanisms of trauma; exposure of fracture; use of external fixator prior to osteosynthesis considering the time of fixator use, distance between Schanz screws, and location of the fracture; presence of compartment syndrome; number of surgical accesses; surgical time; number of participants in surgery and smoking; and comparing groups with and without infection at the surgical site in the immediate postoperative period (up to three weeks). Among the 44 patients studied, mean age was 48.5±15.1 years, 72.7% patients were male, 11.4% were diabetic, 56.8% had Schatzker type V tibial fracture, 88.6% had fractures caused by high-impact trauma, 95.5% of the fractures were closed, 100% used an external fixator prior to definitive osteosynthesis, 54.5% had a single lateral surgical access, and infection at the surgical site occurred in 25% of patients. In the comparison of patients with and without infection, a significant difference was found regarding the distance between the Schanz screws and location of the fracture (p=0.0286), which was shorter in patients with infection at the surgical site. The analysis of potential risk factors for infection revealed that open fracture was the only risk factor in patients with proximal tibial fracture, with a 1.22-fold increase in the likelihood of infection (odds ratios {OR}: 1.22; 95% confidence intervals {CI}: 0.93-1.62; p=0.012). In conclusion, open fracture, greater proximity between the Schanz screws of the external fixator, and the location of the fracture were considered risk factors for infection at the surgical site in patients undergoing osteosynthesis for tibial plateau fracture.

Functional Outcome and Quality of Life After Surgical Fixation of Tibial Plateau Fracture in a Tertiary Care Center of Nepal

IntroductionFunctional outcome and quality of life (QoL) of patients will change following tibial plateau fracture fixation. There are limited studies evaluating functional and radiological outcomes following tibial plateau fixation in Nepal, and none has evaluated QoL. We aim to evaluate functional outcome and QoL in patients with tibial plateau fracture with a follow up period of more than two years. MethodsThis was a cross sectional, observational study done at Dhulikhel Hospital, from August 2021 to January 2022. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) functional outcome and World Health Organization QoL-8 (WHOQoL-8) questionnaire were filled by patients operated for tibial plateau fracture from 2011 to 2019. Compound fractures, untraceable patients, and those managed with casts were excluded from the study. ResultsThere were 121 patients (male: female = 2.3:1) with a mean age of 37.1 years. Road traffic accidents (44.6%) were the most common mode of injury, and Schatzker type IV (30.6%) was the most common type of fracture. The average WOMAC score was 13.05±12.1 and the average WHOQoL-8 score was 30.24±4.1. The average WOMAC score in high-energy and low energy trauma patients were 17.07±12.29 and 8.21±10 respectively. The average WHOQoL-8 in high energy and low energytrauma patients were 29.28±3.59 and 31.38±4.38 respectively. ConclusionsSurgical reduction and stable internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures with long term follow up has a good functional outcome and quality of life. High energy trauma is associated with poor functional outcome and quality of life.

Retrospective Study of 23 Patients with Traumatic Posterolateral Tibial Plateau Fracture Treated in a Single Center Between 2017 and 2019 with Lateral Arthrotomy, Reduction, and Plate Fixation Using the Frosch Approach.

BackgroundThe Frosch approach is a posterolateral surgical procedure performed with or without osteotomy of the fibula for the treatment of posterolateral tibial plateau fractures (PLFs). This retrospective study from a single center aimed to evaluate 23 patients with PLFs who underwent surgical reduction with the Frosch approach between January 2017 and October 2019.Material/MethodsTwenty-three patients, 4 with Schatzker type V and 19 with Schatzker type II fractures were enrolled. Postoperative radiographs were performed regularly to measure the medial proximal tibial angle (MTPA), lateral posterior slope angle (LPSA), medial posterior slope angle (MPSA), and articular step-off to evaluate the fracture reduction. At the last follow-up, the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score and knee range of motion (ROM) were used to assess knee function.ResultRadiograph examinations indicated excellent reduction and fixation of fractures in all patients. The average HSS scores and ROM of the 23 patients were 88.0±3.5 and 131.8±7.8°, respectively, with an average of 30.5±4.6 months of follow-up. Skin numbness occurred in 3 patients but was recovered within 6 months. One patient sustained superficial wound infection, and another patient had superficial adipose tissue liquefaction necrosis.ConclusionsThis experience from a single center demonstrated the advantage of the Frosch approach in visualizing the posterolateral and lateral tibial plateau from a single surgical incision and resulted in excellent postoperative outcomes at follow-up when evaluated by the HSS score, ROM, and radiographic evaluation of the MTPA, LPSA, and MPSA.

Clinico - Radiological Results of Tibial Bicondylar Fractures Managed with Ilizarov Technique with or without Minimal Internal Fixation.

Introduction:Tibial bicondylar fractures are difficult fractures to treat and are usually associated with complications.Materials and methods:Thirty-five patients with Schatzker type V and VI fractures were managed from June 2016 to July 2018 with Ilizarov technique. The mean age of the patients was 46.5 ± 8.9 years, with 28 male and seven female patients. Sixteen patients had Schatzker type V fracture and the remaining had type VI. The functional outcome was assessed by using Modified functional evaluation system by Karlstrom - Olerud and the radiological outcome by Rasmussen's Radiological Score (RRS).Results:All patients achieved radiological union at a mean duration of 16 weeks for type 5 and 17 weeks for type 6 however, full weight-bearing was allowed at a mean of 18 weeks (14 - 22 weeks). Functional results were excellent in 24 cases, good in 10 and poor in one. Most patients achieved functional range of motion at the knee joint (average flexion 1280) except one, who had a flexion of less than 1100. One patient with a delayed union united after bone marrow injection. Other complications included pin tract infections in 9 cases, axial malalignment of less than 100 in 4 cases and a prominent screw in one.Conclusion:Percutaneous restoration of articular anatomy and a ring external fixation with or without minimal internal fixation is an excellent method of treatment in this group of fractures caused by high energy trauma and with a usual association of severe comminution and a poor soft tissue envelope.

Contribution of Minimally Invasive Bone Augmentation With PMMA Cement in Primary Fixation of Schatzker Type II Tibial Plateau Fractures.

Background: The most common type of fracture of the lateral tibial plateau is the Schatzker type II split-depressed fracture. Minimally invasive surgery using balloon reduction appears to be very promising compared to the gold standard using a bone tamp. This surgery aims to have the best reduction and stabilization to benefit from an early passive and active rehabilitation to avoid stiffening and muscle wasting. Using a balloon for fracture reduction has allowed the use of semi-liquid Injectable Bone Cement (IBC) fillers. These fillers can be phosphocalcic or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The latest recommendations on these IBCs in spinal surgery increasingly rule out phosphocalcic fillers because of their low mechanical strength. Questions/purposes: 1) What is the mechanical influence of IBC filling (PMMA) regarding the split and depression components of a Schatzker type II fracture? 2) What is the mechanical influence of osteosynthesis regarding the split and depression components of a Schatzker type II fracture with or without PMMA filing in three different kinds of percutaneous fixations? Methods: This biomechanical study was performed on 36 fresh frozen tibia/fibula specimens. Six groups were formed according to the type of percutaneous osteosynthesis or possible PMMA filling. Mechanical strength tests were carried out using a Unicompartmental Knee prosthesis and displacement components were measured on either side of the separation on the anterolateral facet by optical method. Results: We found a significant difference between cementless and cemented osteosynthesis for depression fracture stabilization (difference −507.56N with 95% confidence interval [−904.17; −110.94] (p-value = 0.026)). The differences between the different types of osteosynthesis were not significant (p-value = 0.58). There was a significant difference between osteosynthesis without cement and osteosynthesis with cement on separation (difference −477.72N [−878.52; −76.93] (p-value = 0.03)). The differences between the different types of fixations were not significant regarding separation (p-value = 0.99). Conclusion: PMMA cement significantly improves primary stability, regardless of the type of osteosynthesis for a Schatzker type II plateau fracture. Filling with PMMA cement during tuberoplasty seems to be a very promising strategy in association with percutaneous osteosynthesis to allow rapid recovery after surgery.

Posteromedial plate application using medial midline incision for complex tibia plateau fractures: a retrospective study

BackgroundApplication of a posterior plate for tibia plateau fractures associated with posterior column involvement is becoming a widespread standard practice as previous studies have shown that additional fixation of the posterior column with a posteromedial buttress plate creates strongest fixation in terms of fracture stabilization This study evaluated the clinical and radiological results of patients undergoing surgery for complex tibial plateau fractures involving the posterior column with a posteromedial plate applied via a medial midline incision.MethodsMedical records of patients undergoing surgery for Schatzker type IV, V, and VI tibia plateau fractures involving the posterior column in our institution were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with a follow-up of less than 1 year, pathological fractures, posterolateral column fractures requiring separate fixation, and open fractures were excluded from the study. Three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) was performed in all patients before surgery. The study population consisted of 25 patients (21 males and 4 females) with a mean age of 41.5 (19–66) years. The etiologies of the fractures were traffic accidents in seven cases, pedestrian falls in five cases, falls from a height in seven cases, and motor vehicle accidents in six cases.ResultsThe mean follow-up period was 15.9 months (12–25), mean time to union was 14.32 (9–20) weeks, mean Knee Society score (KSS) was 88 (81–95), and range of movement (ROM) was 123° (95°–140°). Loss of reduction was detected in only one patient (4%). A superficial incisional infection occurred in an anterolateral incision in only one patient (4%), and it recovered after oral antibiotic therapy. None of the patients required early implant removal and none had vascular or nerve complications in the postoperative period. Postoperatively, 23 (92%) patients had anatomical reduction and 2 (8%) had acceptable reduction in the sagittal plane CT sections. Acceptable reduction was achieved in 6(24%) patients and anatomical reduction was achieved in 19 (76%) in the coronal plane CT sections (Table 2).ConclusionsClinical results of posteromedial plate application using a single medial midline incision is promising as complication rates were very low and knee scores were high.

Mid-Term Radiological and Functional Outcomes of Bicondylar Tibial Plateau Fractures Managed with Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Using Dual Plates.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the mid-term radiological and functional outcome of tibial plateau fractures treated by plating.MethodsThis study was conducted at the General Hospital of Thessaloniki ‘Papageorgiou’, Thessaloniki, Greece. Patients with Schatzker type V and VI tibial plateau fractures who were managed with open reduction and internal fixation using dual plates between January 2011 and December 2018 were included in this retrospective study. The functional evaluation of the patients was carried out with the visual analogue scale (VAS), the health-related quality of life status was measured using the Short Form-36 and the dimensions of pain, stiffness and function were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index. For the radiological outcome evaluation, the modified Rasmussen criteria were used.ResultsFifty-seven patients (30 male and 27 female) were included in the study with a mean follow-up of 50.88 months. There were 23 Schatzker type V and 34 type VI fractures. The majority of patients (86%) had a good to excellent radiological outcome. The mean VAS score was 1.65 for all the patients. The functional outcome was excellent in the majority of the patients. Among them, 5.3% (n = 3) suffered wound infection and all wounds healed after different treatments. All patients returned to their pre-injury activities of daily living and employment status, while 53% of the patients returned to sporting activities.ConclusionThe findings support previous literature which has demonstrated that bicondylar tibial plateau fractures can provide good-to-excellent radiological and functional outcomes if they are treated with open reduction and internal fixation with dual plating.

Clinical Application Study of Minimally Invasive Double-Reverse Traction in Complex Tibial Plateau Fractures.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical application of double-reverse traction for minimally invasive reduction of complex tibial plateau fractures. A retrospective analysis was performed to identify all patients admitted to the Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, from March 2017 to December 2019 with Schatzker type VI tibial plateau fractures. 12 patients were identified (7 men and 5 women) with an average age of 46.15 ± 13 (39-58) years old. All patients were treated with double-reverse traction and closed reduction. After the fracture was reduced, the bone plate was fixed by percutaneous minimally invasive implantation. Outcomes assessed in this study include operation time and intraoperative blood loss. Imaging was performed during the postoperative follow-up, and functional recovery was evaluated at the final follow-up according to the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score and the International Knee Joint Literature Committee (IKDC) functional score. Patients were followed up for 12.54 ± 1.5 (8-15) months. The average operation time was 63.63 ± 21 (35-120) minutes, and the average intraoperative blood loss was 105.45 ± 21 (60-200) mL. The Rasmussen imaging score was either excellent or good in all cases. The knee joint HSS score was 86.15 ± 6 (79-90) points, and the IKDC score was 80.01 ± 11 (75-90) points. No complications, such as wound infection, incision disunion, loosening of internal fixation, and internal fixation failure, occurred. In the treatment of Schatzker VI type complex tibial plateau fracture, the dual-reverse traction minimally invasive technique has the advantages of safety and effectiveness, less soft tissue injury, and allowing early joint movement, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Assessment of Functional Outcome of Bicolumnar Dual Plating for Bicondylar Fractures of Tibial Plateau

Introduction: Operative treatment of bicondylar fractures of tibial plateau is challenging and controversial.&#x0D; Aims: The aim of this study is to reveal the functional outcome of it by using bicolumnar dual plates and screws.&#x0D; Methods: This is a prospective hospital based interventional study carried out in the department of Orthopaedics of Nepalgunj Medical College Teaching Hospital. Thirty two Schatzker type V or AO (Association of Osteosynthesis) type 41 C1 &amp; C2 fractures were treated between January 2016 and December 2019 with bicolumnar dual plating. The functional clinical outcomes were analyzed and evaluated using modified Rasmussen score.&#x0D; Results: Thirty two patients were included in the study. Out of which twenty four were male and eight were female. Average age was 32.21 years, eighteen were right sided and fourteen were left sided. Duration of surgery was 106 mins (range 90-120 mins) and the average duration of hospitalization was 7.81 days (range 4-14 days). Five patients of impending compartment syndrome and three patients with common peroneal nerve palsy were managed conservatively and also were included in the study. Two patients with superficial wound infection needed minimal debridement. One patient had varus angulation of 100 at third follow up after he fell from bed but surgical intervention were not needed. All fractures united. The average time for fracture healing was 21.5 weeks (range 16-32 weeks). At the Eighteen months follow up, the average knee range of motion was 1310(range 1100-1400). The functional outcome were evaluated using modified Rasmussen scoring system, which was 27.34 (range 22-30).&#x0D; Conclusion: Bicolumnar dual plating for bicondylar fractures of tibial plateau can provide excellent and stable fixation allowing early range of motion and gives excellent to good functional outcome.

The Relationship between the Injury Mechanism and the Incidence of ACL Avulsions in Schatzker Type IV Tibial Plateau Fractures: A 3D Quantitative Analysis Based on Mimics Software.

Tibial plateau fractures are often accompanied with ligamental and meniscal injuries. Among which, the combined existence of Schatzker type IV fracture with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) avulsion has been reported rarely. The purpose of this study was to determine the injury mechanism of Schatzker type IV fracture with ACL avulsion based on Mimics software. Ninety-nine Schatzker type IV tibial plateau fractures were retrospectively analyzed by quantitative three-dimensional measurements. ACL avulsions were diagnosed through the data of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. We simulated the knee posture when an injury occurred and defined different injury patterns. The chi-square test was used for determining the main mechanism which causes Schatzker type IV fractures associated with ACL avulsions. There were more ACL avulsions and more displaced ACL avulsions associated with the knee in flexion in the setting of Schatzker type IV fracture (p < 0.05). More ACL avulsions were found in the injury pattern of flexion-valgus than the other injury patterns of the same level (p < 0.05). The rotation of the tibial showed no significant difference in producing ACL avulsion fractures. This study found that a flexed knee at the occurrence of a Schatzker type IV tibial plateau fracture is a high-risk factor for causing associated ACL avulsion and producing more displaced avulsions. Flexion-valgus pattern was the main cause of Schatzker type IV fractures associated with ACL avulsions. The findings will help orthopedists understand the injury mechanism and enhance their awareness of such injuries to avoid unfavorable prognosis.

Clinical and Radiological Evaluation of Proximal Tibia Fracture Fixed with Variable Angle Proximal Tibial Interlocking Plate

Background: Tibial plateau fractures are complex injuries produced by high- or low-energy trauma and principally affect young adults. In view of the ever-increasing high-velocity road traffic accidents, there is an increase in complex, multifragmentary periarticular fractures of the tibia. The goal of proximal tibial fracture treatment is to obtain the early union of fracture in the most acceptable anatomical position with the early and maximum functional return of activity. The use of more modern implants with locking screws and precontoured locking plates provides better stability and may further improve outcome. In this regard, this study was undertaken to study the functional outcome and radiological outcome of closed proximal tibial fracture Schatzker's type I, II, and III treated with variable angle-locking compression plate (VA-LCP). Methods: A hospital-based prospective study was undertaken among the 54 adult patients with closed proximal tibial fracture Schatzker's type I, II, and III requiring surgical intervention and treated by VA-LCP. A predesigned, self-administered pro forma was designed to keep the objectives of the study at the center point. The patients were categorized based on their relevant age, gender, fracture type, and complications. Qualitative data were represented in the form of frequency and percentage. The final outcome was obtained using modified Rasmussen clinical and radiological score as well as the total healing period of the subjects followed up for a period of 24 weeks. All care and caution were exercised while utilizing the patient data for the current research as outlined in the hospital guidelines pertaining to the usage of patient data for this study, and confidentiality was maintained throughout. Results: The maximum study population belonged to the age group of 50–59 years, which comprised about 44.5%. 26 (48.2%) of the tibial fractures were diagnosed to have Schatzker's type II fractures followed by 15 (27.7%) type III and 13 (24.1%) type I. Group I (30–39 years) showed faster healing with a mean healing period of 18.6 ± 1.9 weeks, followed by Group II (40–49 years) with a mean healing period of 19.6 ± 4.1. Mechanical failure (7, 12.9%) and some secondary complications (12, 22.2%) were also observed during follow-up in the outpatient department. At the end of follow-up, 35 patients (64.8%) had excellent clinical result, 19 (35.2%) had good clinical result, and no patient had a poor functional outcome. For the radiological assessment, there were 29 patients (53.8%) with excellent, 18 (33.3%) with good, 7 (12.9%) with fair, while none with poor results. Conclusion: Treatment of proximal tibial fractures is challenging because of limited soft tissue cover and less vascularity. There are various treatment options for these fractures starting from closed reduction with casting to open reduction and internal fixation with a plate. The excellent functional results and lack of soft tissue complications suggest that a VA-LCP should be considered as an option in tibial plateau fractures. A balance between anatomical reduction and soft tissue stripping is required to avoid any complications.

Low-energy Schatzker type I tibial plateau fracture complicated by compartment syndrome: a case report

Low-energy Schatzker type I tibial plateau fracture complicated by compartment syndrome: a case report

Tibial plateau fractures in a limited-resource setting: A prospective study of surgical techniques and outcome over three years

Introduction: Tibial plateau fractures form a wide spectrum of injuries accounting for 1.2% of all fractures and a prevalence of 10 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Methodology: A prospective consecutive multicentre study from May 2018 to May 2021 was carried out in Yaounde. All consenting cases of tibial plateau fracture underwent surgical treatment while patients with pathologic fractures, previous knee osteoarthritis, medically unfit for surgery, and discharging against medical advice were excluded. Data was analysed with SPSS 26.0 and the level of significance set at p&lt;0.05. Results:Eighty-four (84) cases of tibial plateau fractures were sampled and 68 consented to surgery. The mean age was 42 ±13.6 years and sex ratio 2.4. Estimated prevalence was 2.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Schatzker type II fractures were most represented (33.3%). The left leg was affected in 57.1%. Motorbike accidents were the main cause of injury (66.7%). Of the 68 operated, 63.3% by plating osteosynthesis, 32.4% by external fixation, and 4.4% by screws fixation. Tricortical iliac bone graft was realised in 4 cases. The minimum follow-up was 6 months, with a median of 18 months (5 to 37 months). Plating osteosynthesis (p&lt;0.001), operative time between 60 to 120 minutes (p&lt;0.02) and a good radiologic fracture healing (p&lt;0.04) were associated with a satisfactory outcome. Poor prognosis was seen with open fractures (p&lt;0.001), bridging external fixation (p&lt;0.001), and Schatzker VI fractures (p&lt;0.02). Complications included post-traumatic osteoarthritis (64.7%), post-traumatic osteomyelitis (29.4%), knee ankylosis (5.9%), and limb malalignment (30.9%). Conclusion:The prevalence of tibial plateau fractures remains lower than reported in literature but it is projected to rise. Plating remains a viable treatment option. A larger scale study will establish the burden of this entity in our context.

Application of nanomaterials in martial arts sports injury patients

Objective: This paper discusses the curative effect and influencing factors of the implantation of nano-hydroxyapatite rods in the treatment of martial arts sports Schatzker III tibial plateau fractures. Methods: The thesis research included 36 martial arts Schatzker type III tibial plateau fracture patients who were admitted to the hospital from July 2017 to July 2019. In the control group, 18 patients received traditional incision bone plate screw internal fixation. Results: The HSS knee function scores at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery were all higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05); univariate analysis showed that age was <0.05). Conclusion: Arthroscopic nano-hydroxyapatite rod implantation for minimally invasive treatment of Schatzker type III tibial plateau fracture injury in martial arts sports can promote fracture healing, relieve pain, and promote joint function recovery.